Student Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who should register in an online course? As with any college course, you should register only if you are serious about studying college-level material each week. Online courses require the same amount of work, as do all other traditional courses. If you're not sure, taking the "Suitability Self-Test" may help you decide.

Is there any difference in tuition or fees? No. Tuition and fees are the same as for other courses.

How do I register for an online course? Register using CUNYfirst. After you have registered for an online course, you MUST send an Email to your instructor, prior to the start of classes, for needed information.

See the Online Classes page for instructor Email addresses. Once you are registered in the course, you will be enrolled into the appropriate section of Blackboard where you can access online course materials.

What is Blackboard? Blackboard is an online learning management system that allows your instructor to post written and visual course materials, topics for discussion, calendar events, tests, and your grades. Course material is generally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You need a valid CUNY portal username and password to access the Blackboard system.

Once enrolled into Blackboard, how do I log in to my course? View the log-in instructions. Please follow these instructions carefully. If there is a problem, the instructions will provide you with steps on getting your problem resolved.

What courses are being offered online? View the available courses online.

What’s the difference between online and on-campus courses?

In an online course you either meet with your teacher less (Hybrid), or not at all (Asynchronous).

In an online course you interact with fellow students via Email, Discussion list, or Chat room.

You must be more disciplined to stay on top of class work

Registration is the same

When is Blackboard available? Normally Blackboard is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, there may be times when maintenance is being performed resulting in occasional loss of Blackboard course access.

What do I do if I can't log into my course? Always tell your instructor if you are having problems. Technical support is available via Email at BBSupport@qcc.cuny.edu

Who do I contact if I have trouble with my online course?

First, if you can log-in to your course, look for “Alerts!” on the opening announcements page of your online course.

How do I obtain books and supplies? All textbooks and supplies required for online courses are available through the bookstore on the campus.

Is there a limit to the number of online courses I can take? There is no limit to the number of online courses one can apply toward a degree. At this time QCC, does not offer enough online courses to earn a degree, so you will have to take a mix of online and traditional, on-campus courses.

Will the online course credits apply to a degree? Yes. The content of online courses is equivalent to that of on-campus courses, and credits can be applied to QCC degree programs.

Can I transfer credits earned from online courses? Yes. All of the policies and agreements pertaining to the transfer of credits to other institutions that are in place here at Queensborough apply equally to online and on-campus courses.

Should I have my own computer when taking an online course? Yes, but you can also use any computer with an Internet connection, including those in the Academic Computing Center.

What is a threaded discussion list? For online courses at QCC, the threaded discussion list is the area called "Discussion Board" within the Communication section of Blackboard. There you can join-in on course-related discussions at a time that is convenient to you. Only some online courses use the threaded discussion list…check with your instructor.

What is a chat room? For online courses at QCC, the chat room is the area called "Virtual Classroom" within the Communication section of Blackboard. There you will meet with your instructor and fellow students at times defined by your instructor. Only some online courses use the chat room…check with your instructor.

Can I Audit an Online Course? Yes, by following the usual rules for auditing courses at QCC. Please be aware that:

You must register and pay for the course you are auditing

Students must request an audit grade within the first three weeks of the semester from the instructor.

You may not retake a course to gain credit once you have audited that course.

What if I don't have an Email account? Queensborough provides a Student Email (Tiger Mail) account to all registered students.